American cheese is not a natural cheese, but a processed cheese. Most of the American Cheese manufactured and sold in America is pasteurized process cheese which is made from natural cheeses.

Such cheeses include process cheese food, process cheese spread, cold pack cheese, and cold pack cheese food. It is either an orange, yellow, or white color and is mild in flavor, with a medium consistency, and it melts easily.

Originally American cheese was only white. Colby and Cheddar are usually the two cheeses blended to make American Cheese..

Despite the popularity of American cheese, it does have some drawbacks. It does have a high fat and sodium content along with coloring and other additives. And, it is made from the remnants of natural cheese making. But, on the other hand, American Cheese is high in calcium and protein. American Cheese first became popular during the 1950s with the surge in popularity of convenience foods

Nutritional Value of American Cheese:

In 1 ounce of American Cheese there are Calories 94, Calories from Fat 62, Total Fat 6.9g, Saturated Fat 4.3g., Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g., Monounsaturated Fat 2.0g., Cholesterol 18mg, Sodium 273mg, Total Carbohydrates 2.4g, Protein 5.6g. http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-american-cheese-i1045

Facts About American Cheese:

Good points:

No sugar

High in calcium

High in phosphorus

Bad points:

Very high in saturated fat

High in sodium

Because of the smooth texture and mild taste, American cheese goes well with fruits, such as apples, pears, and red grapes. American Cheese can be used in sauces, dips, and spreads. And this cheese is the cheese that’s melted or grilled in sandwiches and on hamburgers. It frequently appears in such dishes as macaroni and cheese, and is an ingredient in hundreds of cooked dishes, such as biscuits, salads, pies, and casseroles. The versatility of American Cheese is what makes this cheese so popular.

Rosy Cheese Fondue

Ingredients:

8 ounces sharp American Cheese, shredded

2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

½ cup condensed cream of tomato soup

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons dry sherry

Toasted French bread cubes

In a heavy saucepan, combine the first 4 ingredients. Cook until the mixture is smooth, over low heat. Stir in the wine. Transfer the hot cheese mixture to a fondue pot. Spear the bread with fondue forks and dip in the cheese fondue.

Cheese Ramekins

Ingredients;

3 ounces sharp American Cheese, shredded

2 slightly beaten egg yolks

1 cup soft bread crumbs

1 cup milk, scalded

2 stiffly beaten egg whites

Reserve 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Combine the remaining cheese, the egg yolks, the bread crumbs, and hot milk. Fold in the egg whites and turn the mixture into two 1 ½ cup casseroles. Place the rest of the cheese over the top. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 minutes or until the mixture is completely set in the middle. Serve immediately.

Like natural cheese, American cheese should be stored in the refrigerator. It has a high moisture content and must be wrapped tightly in moisture proof wrap to prevent drying on the surface of the cheese.

Much of the popularity of American Cheese is attributed to its relatively mild flavor and ease of use in cooking. American Cheese is not likely to string, to become rubbery, or to develop a grainy texture when heated. However, low temperatures and short time cooking are recommended. A versatile food, American Cheese lends itself to appetizers, snacks, sandwiches, fondues, and main dishes.